Question and Answers by a Facelift Surgery Specialist

The face is the most prominent characteristic with many features therein, such as the eyes, mouth, cheeks, and nose. Due to the natural aging process, facial skin begins to loosen and wrinkle, resulting in sagging, droopy skin. Facelifts are a type of procedure that can address this specific concern, providing a lifting effect for the entire face. There are many different kinds of facelifts, including ones using surgical and noninvasive methods.

What is a facelift?

A facelift is a cosmetic procedure that is used to tighten the skin, smooth the appearance of the face and rejuvenate the overall facial complexion. It can be performed in several ways, including traditional surgery, laser treatments, and injection techniques. A facelift may also be referred to as rhytidectomy. Because it can tighten muscles, reduce wrinkles and remove sagging skin, it can provide a more youthful and natural-looking appearance.

What types of facelifts do we perform?

At Partridge Plastic Surgery, we perform the following types of facelifts:

• Brow Lift
• Eyelid Surgery
• Otoplasty
• Rhinoplasty
• Chin Augmentation
• Facial Implants
• Fat Injection

What to expect after a facelift?

After a facelift, patients may experience side effects that can last for a few days or weeks, including:

• Mild to moderate pain
• Drainage from the incisions
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Numbness

While rare, severe complications can occur, including:

• Severe pain in the face or neck
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeats

If any of the aforementioned severe complications occur, it is imperative to receive professional medical attention immediately.

What is the recovery for a facelift?

The recovery time for a facelift is different for everyone and is highly dependent on individual physiology, the type of facelift performed, the severity of the condition(s) being treated, and how strictly the aftercare instructions are followed. On average, it takes roughly two weeks to be able to return to work without complications, and by this time, most people will not be able to tell that surgery was performed (no visible side effects). However, it is important to understand that it may take two to three months for the face to feel normal in terms of texture, sensitivity, and loss of tightness; in some cases, patients may continue to experience residual swelling and changes in skin sensation for up to a year, although the proper aftercare protocol can significantly reduce this time. These include:

• Using sun protection every day, such as sunglasses, a large-brimmed hat, sunscreen lotion, and avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
• Practicing a healthy lifestyle, such as regularly exercising, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and drinking lots of water
• Avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol
• Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke

What results should I expect after a facelift?

Generally, after a facelift patients can expect rejuvenation of the nasolabial folds, cheeks, jowls, and neck for a more youthful appearance. Post-operatively, patients will require about 2 weeks off of work and must avoid strenuous exercise for roughly 4-6 weeks. It takes around 12 months to see the final results, although some patients see results sooner or later, typically ranging from 10 to 14 months. The longevity of the results is different for every patient and is based on genetics, metabolism, aftercare, and lifestyle factors. In many cases, patients can enjoy the results of a facelift for about 10-15 years. Because the aging process continues after the procedure, patients may benefit from a secondary facelift after the results from their initial procedure are no longer visible.

Call us today to book an appointment with our facelift specialist, or visit one of our convenient locations: in North Brunswick, Princeton. We look forward to serving you!